Prepare for APFS in macOS High Sierra

If you’re a system administrator, learn how to get ready for Apple File System when upgrading your business or education institution to macOS High Sierra.

Apple File System (APFS) is the default file system in macOS High Sierra for Mac computers with all-flash storage. APFS features strong encryption, space sharing, snapshots, fast directory sizing, and improved file system fundamentals.

When you install macOS High Sierra on the Mac volume of a solid-state drive (SSD) or other all-flash storage device, that volume is automatically converted to APFS. Fusion Drives, traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), and non-Mac volumes aren't converted. You can't opt out of the transition to APFS.

APFS compatibility

Devices formatted as Mac OS Extended (HFS+) can be read from and written to by devices formatted as APFS.

Devices formatted as APFS can be read from and written to by:

Other devices formatted as APFS

Devices formatted as Mac OS Extended, if using macOS High Sierra

For example, a USB storage device formatted as APFS can be read by a Mac using High Sierra, but not by a Mac using Sierra or earlier.

APFS and FileVault

FileVault volumes are converted from Mac OS Extended to APFS, just like unencrypted volumes.

APFS and Boot Camp

Boot Camp doesn't read from or write to APFS-formatted volumes, but is compatible with High Sierra.

APFS and file sharing

Volumes formatted as APFS can't offer share points over the network using AFP.

APFS supports SMB and NFS, with the option to enforce only SMB-encrypted share points.

APFS and Time Machine

You don't need to change any Time Machine settings to back up APFS-formatted disks.